Syracuse, N.Y. -- There's no more uncertain position on the Syracuse football roster than linebacker.

The Orange graduated all four of its regular contributors from last fall, leaving a group of unproven, but highly motivated players to duke it out this spring.

"It's extremely competitive, to say the least," senior Ryan Guthrie said on Thursday. "Everybody's fighting for a spot. Everybody's fighting for a travel spot. We're all in the same boat. We're all trying to be that guy who steps up."

The Orange defensive coaching staff is actively pushing its linebackers this spring to see who will emerge. Defensive coordinator Brian Ward preaches that message continually, along with a simple mantra of "compete," Guthrie said.

"It's a hungry room right now," Guthrie said. "I know if I don't do what I've got to do, I won't stay at No. 1. And we need all the linebackers. We need everyone to be successful."

The competition for the starting middle linebacker job starts with Guthrie and Williams. The former repped at both inside linebacker spots last fall before sliding down to defensive end early in the season and contributing as a reserve.

Guthrie said he was happy to help out his team at a position of need, but ended up benefitting greatly from the experience. He was able to understand defensive fronts and offensive keys better, in part because he could listen to three-year starter Zaire Franklin's calls behind him in real time.

That increased football IQ now stretches to the film room, where he's able to digest each play more fruitfully.

"Compared to a year ago, it's 100 times better," Guthrie said. "Last spring, I was probably just watching film cross-eyed, not really understanding what was going on. This year, I'm actually able to go in and go through everything you'd see on the field like I'm on the field."

Williams only has three practices under his belt, but has already impressed Guthrie and Richards, a redshirt freshman. Listed as the second-team Mike on the spring depth chart, Williams moves remarkably well at 240 pounds, Richards said.

He's shown a hunger not only to compete, Richards said, but to learn the system and terminology that typically present the toughest initial challenge for players new to the program.

Moving to the weak side, Richards and Cullen are working behind Armstrong. Despite being listed as the backup strong-side 'backer, Richards said he's sticking at Will -- the same position he operated from on the scout team last fall.

Richards earned praise from Franklin, among others, for his play and poise as a true freshman. At 6 feet, 4 inches and 224 pounds, he looks physically ready to contribute.

"All our linebackers are great players so it's going to be a challenge to try to work up to that No. 1 spot," Richards said, "but that's what I'm trying to do. I'm sure they're all trying to do the same. It's going to be a battle."

And on the strong side, Whitner's top competition could come from Fagan. It's unclear who else is working at the spot or whether someone like Richards -- who spent time at Sam last fall -- could be moved into the coverage-heavy role.

Rest assured, though: these are only starting points. The competition among SU's linebackers will stretch into fall camp and perhaps even the season. But establishing a leader? Ward tells his group that he'd like that to come sooner.

"He just wants someone to step up and lead," Richards said. "That's all he's been saying, someone who can step up and lead the defense, get close calls right, get the front right."